# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Richard de la Haye, Fourth Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical appreciation of Richard de la Haye, fourth Baron of Brattleby. This reflection commemorates his pivotal role as Constable of Lincoln and reaffirms the House's nine-century legacy of service to Crown and County.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, a county intertwined with the very fabric of English history, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to cast a reflective gaze upon one of its most consequential twelfth-century forebears. This act of commemoration is not marked by a public gathering, but by a considered dispatch, issued to enrich the public record and to underscore the continuity of duty that defines the Barony. It is a moment for introspection, connecting the leadership of the present House to the foundational actions of those who secured its place in the annals of the realm.
This reflection serves as a testament to the enduring principle that to understand the present, and to chart a course for the future, one must first honour the past. The dispatch, prepared for the House's archives, illuminates a period of profound consolidation for both the Kingdom of England and the Barony of Brattleby itself, demonstrating a tradition of stewardship that has spanned more than 950 years.
## Historical Context
Richard de la Haye, the fourth Baron of Brattleby, rose to a position of immense regional authority during the reign of King Henry II. His appointment as Constable of Lincoln, a role he held with distinction, placed him at the nexus of military and administrative power in one of England’s most strategically vital shires. In the twelfth century, the office of Constable was far more than a ceremonial post; it was a viceregal appointment, entrusting its holder with the command of Lincoln Castle, the defence of royal interests, and the administration of justice.
The Barony’s influence was already well established, originating with the grant of 56 Lincolnshire lordships by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Richard de la Haye’s tenure as Constable, however, solidified the family’s status as indispensable supporters of the Plantagenet settlement following the years of civil war known as The Anarchy. His loyal service was a *sine qua non* for maintaining royal authority in the north. This legacy of resolute command was notably passed to his successor, his daughter Nichola de la Haye, who as the fifth Baroness would famously defend Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection is an internal communication from the House, intended for the public record and for educational purposes. As such, no assembly of external dignitaries was convened for its issuance. The intended audience includes historians, students of Norman and Plantagenet England, and those with an interest in the enduring traditions of the English nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration takes the form of this official dispatch rather than a public ceremony. The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to established protocols for all its communications, ensuring they are recorded for posterity in the family archives and shared in a manner befitting the dignity of the Barony. This approach prioritises substance and historical accuracy, in keeping with the House’s scholarly and archival responsibilities. The document becomes part of the continuing narrative of the Barony, accessible for future generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Richard de la Haye predate the formalisation of the College of Arms, yet his life’s work perfectly embodies the spirit of the motto later adopted by the House: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). His fortitude was demonstrated in his command of the King’s castle, and his honour was proven by his unwavering loyalty to the Crown. These principles remain the guiding tenets of the Barony today.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern maxim speaks not of military conquest, but of the purposeful pursuit of goals, whether in diplomacy, commerce, or philanthropy. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis of ancient duty and modern, dynamic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this dispatch is primarily historical in nature, the legacy of service it describes provides the foundational ethos for the House’s present-day philanthropic endeavours. The commitment to protect and to serve demonstrated by the fourth Baron is the same spirit that animates the House’s support for its chosen beneficiaries, *inter alia*, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The security of a community, whether guarded by a twelfth-century castle or a twenty-first-century charitable organisation, remains a paramount objective.
## In Their Own Words
In a statement accompanying the release, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the relevance of her predecessor’s life: > Reflecting on the life of Richard de la Haye reminds us that our duty is not a passive inheritance, but an active commitment. His steadfastness as Constable of Lincoln is a powerful example of the *Fortitudine et Honore* that has guided this Barony for centuries, a standard we strive to uphold today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the parallel between historical and modern responsibilities: > The strategic importance of the Constable's role in the twelfth century finds its parallel today in our strategic focus on education and cultural diplomacy. The challenges differ, but the principle of robust, purposeful leadership—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—remains constant and essential.
## A Continuing Legacy
The issuance of this historical profile is part of the House of Brattleby’s ongoing commitment to chronicling and sharing its extensive history. This enduring narrative of service, from the Norman Conquest through the Lancastrian era of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, provides the inspiration for the House's modern mission.
This mission is expressed through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, and the international work of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural exchange. In celebrating its past, the House of Brattleby reinforces its commitments for the future, ensuring that this formidable legacy of service is passed intact to the next generation, beginning with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House champions causes that provide stability and opportunity for future generations. Its principal philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster greater international understanding. The House actively maintains and promotes its unique nine-century heritage as a platform for contemporary service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), confirming its place in the United Kingdom’s official record.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Formal recognition of the Barony was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com